She Lifts. She Eats. She Lives.

Menu

Getting Outside

Recently, my husband and I have been taking our Wednesday workouts outside of the gym and moving them to a nearby park. We’ve really been enjoying them! He and I normally devote our Wednesday training to some sort of cardio, so it’s essentially a mid-week rest day from weight lifting.

As you know by now, I prefer to do high-intensity interval training instead of steady state cardio. It’s more fun, it takes less time, and is really more of a bang for your buck! We’ll usually do sprints followed by a push-up complex, sit-ups, maybe jumping jacks supersetted with mountain climbers, or anything that really works our muscles and gets our heart rates up.

What makes going to the park better than doing all of these things in the gym? Well, sprints are always more challenging when you do them outside. Instead of having a machine propel you (as you would on a treadmill), you have to use your own strength to propel yourself when you sprint outdoors. Outdoor sprints are GREAT for your leg and glute strength! And to get even more out of your sprints, try hill sprints! If you have a steep hill nearby, try sprinting up that sucker and take a slow walk back down. Do that 8+ times and you’re good to go!

Still don’t believe in the benefits of sprints over long-distance cardio? Have you ever examined the difference between a marathon runner vs. a sprinter?

I don’t know about you, but I sure prefer the physique on the right. Sprinters usually have lower body fat percentages and much more lean muscle tissue than long distance runners. And did I mention that they have THE BEST glutes?!

Since I’ve decided to do a photo shoot this August, I have added a 6th day of training. So on Saturday I took my training to the park for the second time this week. This time I did a ‘metabolic complex’ designed by one of my favorite coaches who goes by the moniker ‘Wet Wolf.’ Here’s a video of the complex. It’s definitely very challenging but a fun way to mix up your cardio.

Sideways Bear Crawls x 8

Super Burpees x 8

Roll-Over to Stand-Up x 8

Inch Worms x 8

Do this complex at least 5 times through and add 1 more set each week to keep challenging yourself.

Below are some shots my husband took of me during my workout in the park yesterday.

Bear Crawls

Inch Worms

What else is fun about training in the park? There’s dogs, squirrels, birds, and new people (who will probably stare at you like you have 3 heads). There’s really a lot going on! Plus, it’s nice to experience the elements…rain, sunshine, grass, wind, and who doesn’t enjoy rolling around in cigarette butts and bird poop?! Haha! But seriously, it is fun to get a little dirty sometimes! So when you decide that you’re bored with your 30 minute jog on the treadmill, take your workout to the park and mix it up!